Programme for Government: The key points from Nicola Sturgeon's speech

Sturgeon said the suppression of Covid-19 would be the priority, adding that a resurgence of the virus would hit the economy hard.

Sturgeon said that the Covid-19 pandemic could act as "an accelerant" for the ambitions of Scotland.

Here's some of the key issues the First Minister discussed: 

- Independence

Unveiling the Programme for Government, the First Minister said that a similar announcement in an independent Scotland would outline plans for an extension to the furlough scheme, more money in borrowing, a more progressive immigration system and a Universal Basic Income.

She told MSPs that a new draft Bill will be drawn up setting out the timing and terms for a new independence referendum, as well as the question to be asked to voters if it is given the green light by Westminster.

READ MORE: Scottish independence: Nicola Sturgeon to set out timing of referendum

The First Minister added: "Then, at next year's election, we will make the case for Scotland to become an independent country and seek a clear endorsement of Scotland's right to choose our own future."

- A new proximity tracing mobile app

The Covid-19 tracing app Protect Scotland was announced by the First Minister as part of the Scottish Government's agenda for this parliamentary session.

Sturgeon said: "The app will provide an additional means of notifying and giving advice if you've been exposed to someone who has tested positive - even if you don't know them and they don't know you.

"There will be more information at the time of launch - as well as important assurances about privacy and confidentiality - but I encourage everyone to download and use the app as soon as it becomes available.

"Stopping the virus in its tracks is our priority."

- The FM again called on the UK Government to scrap plans to end the furlough scheme next month

After welcoming the financial support from the UK Government, the First Minister said an end to the job retention scheme, which has supported more than 900,000 jobs in Scotland, would create "a tsunami of redundancies".

She said: "I am therefore calling again today on the UK to follow the lead of France and Germany and extend the job retention scheme for a further 12 months - especially for the sectors hardest hit by Covid and with the longest road to recovery."

- £60 million Youth Guarantee

The First Minister also announced the £60m Youth Guarantee, which would see all Scots aged between 16 and 24 get a job, a place in education or a training position.

- Apprentices and skills

A further £10m was announced for the recruitment and retaining of apprentices, £25m for retraining in growth sectors and £20m to help employers to address skills gaps.

- Digital exclusion 

As well as improving infrastructure, the First Minister pledged to "eliminate digital exclusion" by expanding Connecting Scotland, an initiative to provide devices and internet access to vulnerable people.

She said: "I can announce that, by the end of 2021, Connecting Scotland will provide an electronic device, unlimited data and two years of digital support and training to 50,000 people who would otherwise be without digital access that the rest of us take for granted.

"This is a massive step and will help us end the digital divide once and for all."

- The environment 

The First Minister outlined how £1.6 billion of the £2bn announced last year as part of the Scottish Government's Green New Deal would be allocated.

Sturgeon said that £100m will be pumped into a Green Jobs Fund, half of which will be used to help firms grow in low-carbon sectors and the other allowing them to take advantage of investment in the low-carbon economy.

A further £62m fund will be used for the transition of oil and gas businesses to low carbon output, with £60m to support the net-zero ambitions of the industrial and manufacturing sectors.

At least £250m will be invested in peatland restoration, the First Minister said.

She also announced that the Scottish Government will launch the first round of its green investment portfolio, which will market £1bn of low-carbon projects to international investors.

- Brexit

The First Minister took aim at Brexit during the Programme for Government, describing it as "an act of self-sabotage which we do not understand".

Sturgeon said: "Nevertheless, Brexit demands that we work in partnership with business, the third and public sectors to make sure Scotland remains an attractive location for inward investment.

"I can therefore announce today that we will publish, before the end of this year - as an accompaniment to our export strategy - a new inward investment plan with the aim of creating 100,000 high-quality jobs over the next decade."

- National Care Service 

The First Minister announced plans to investigate the establishment of a National Care Service, following a "comprehensive, independent review of adult social care".

Sturgeon said: "The quality of adult social care is something that matters deeply to us all. This is a moment to be bold and to build a service fit for the future.

"The National Health Service was born out of the tragedy of World War Two.

"Let us resolve that we will build out of this Covid crisis, the lasting and positive legacy of a high quality, national care service."

- Private renters

As well as extending protections against eviction from rent arrears until March 2021, the First Minister said a new hardship fund for tenants would be set up.
The £10m would be used to help those who have struggled to pay their rent due to the pandemic.

- Housing 

Sturgeon said the Scottish Government is working with the construction sector to ensure that it meets the target of 50,000 new affordable homes - 35,000 of which would be for social rent - "as soon as possible".

The sector was on track to meet the target by the end of the parliamentary term before the pandemic.

- The "20-minute neighbourhood"

A further £275 million will be given to fund community-led regeneration of local areas and town centre revitalisation.

The First Minister also said the Scottish Government would be working with local authorities to make the concept of the "20-minute neighbourhood" a reality.

The idea states that shops, green space, public services, leisure facilities and work should be within 20 minutes of an affordable home.

- UN Convention on the Rights of the Child 

The First Minister announced plans to incorporate the UN Convention on the Right of the Child into Scots law, which she called "one of the most ambitious pieces of legislation in the 20-year history of devolution".

She added: "This will mean public authorities - including the Scottish Government - will be required by law to act in ways compatible with the convention's requirements to recognise, respect and be accountable for the rights of children in what we do.

"The implications of this Bill will be profound, far-reaching and long-lasting.

"It is a commitment that exemplifies the importance this Government attaches to the rights, opportunities and future of all our young people."